With the Summer Games coming to Paris in July, planning ahead
is essential, say these travel experts
NEW
YORK, May 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Paris is
always a popular vacation destination, and the city will be even
busier this year as the host of the Summer Games. The city
experienced an 8% growth in the number of hotel nights booked by
Global Travel Collection advisors during the Game dates in
comparison to to last year, resulting in an estimated
additional $4 million in hotel sales.
And France is ranked third (behind
Japan and Italy) in top-selling destinations outside of
the U.S. also based on bookings by Global Travel Collection
advisors in 2024.
"The global sports tourism market is experiencing robust growth,
reflecting an expanding interest in sports-related travel," said
Angie Licea, President of Global
Travel Collection. "Paris consistently remains a top choice among
travelers, with continuous high demand in bookings for our travel
advisors."
Global Travel Collection (GTC), which represents the most
sophisticated community of premier travel agencies worldwide,
surveyed its luxury travel advisors for their expert advice on
where to stay and what to see in Paris while avoiding the crowds.
"Planning ahead is imperative, especially during the Summer
Games," said Diana Castillo, a
Global Travel Collection travel advisor, who has extensive
experience arranging client trips to major events, such as the
French Open and the Tour de France. "A resourceful travel advisor is a
must."
Castillo has several hotels that she recommends, including the
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, San Régis, La Réserve
Paris, and the Intercontinental Paris - Le Grand. Her favorite Paris attractions include
the Musee d'Orsay, renowned for its rich collection of
Impressionist paintings; Saint-Chapelle, with its stunning
stained-glass windows; and visiting the top of the Arc de triomphe
at night for an amazing view of the Paris skyline, including the
Eiffel Tower.
Her favorite spot for an informal meal is L'Entrecôte de Paris,
known for its one-item menu, sirloin steak. "The restaurant doesn't
take reservations, but you'll get a true Paris experience, standing
in line with tourists and locals alike," said Castillo. She also
recommends the iconic pastry shop Angelina
Paris, famous for its indulgent Mont Blanc
dessert.
Diana recommends staying at least five nights, with two days set
aside for Summer Game events.
"Don't overpack your days," she said. "I always suggest a
half-day activity, plus some time to walk around and experience the
city, sit at a café enjoying your favorite beverage and people
watch."
Shayna Mizrahi, a Global Travel
Collection travel advisor, often arranges personalized experiences
for her clients, which she can still do while the Games are going
on. They include private tours of museums such as The Louvre, with
a scavenger hunt for the children in your group, as well as food
tours throughout Paris led by a culinary expert and an exclusive
shopping experience at La Samaritaine, France's legendary department store with
brands covering every aspect of luxury fashion.
"Even though many hotels are fully booked for the Summer
Games, there are still fantastic options available," Mizrahi
said. "We have exclusive partnerships with every luxury hotel in
Paris and worldwide, allowing
access and availability for even the hardest time of
year."
The top three hotels that she recommends to clients are the Ritz
Paris, Le Meurice, and Hôtel Plaza
Athénée. "They are truly three of the most special luxury hotels in
Paris, and an oasis in a city that
will be bustling with excitement from the Summer Games."
It's never too late to plan a trip when using a travel
advisor, said Barbara Khan, a
Global Travel Collection travel advisor. A travel advisor can
enhance the experience and alleviate much of the stress associated
with short-notice travel.
Like all GTC travel advisors, Barbara has built relationships
with travel suppliers and local tourism offices, developed over
many years of booking vacations for clients. Her favorite hotels
include the Hotel Pont Royal, Hotel L'Echiquier Opera Paris -
MGallery and the The Westin Paris Vendôme. "These hotels are ones
that I have booked for many years, so they are tried and true,"
Khan said. "The locations are great for sightseeing."
Khan always recommends a sightseeing or dinner cruise along the
Seine, to view the city from a different perspective. If a client
has a special interest, such as the history of World War II, she
can arrange a private tour with an expert in the field.
And if clients want to spend time outside Paris, getting away
from the crowds, she can arrange that, too. "I have a client
who wants to celebrate a 40th birthday in the Champagne
region, avoiding Paris. So, we are focusing on the surrounding
countryside."
Those looking to partner with a travel advisor for crafting the
perfect travel journey can visit Global Travel Collection, Find a
Travel Advisor.
Clients who book their trip through a Global Travel Collection
travel advisor have access to Roadtrips, which provides
customized luxury sports travel packages to the world's most
sought-after and exclusive sporting events. Roadtrips offers a
variety of full service solutions for the Summer Games, including
accommodations at three of Paris' top luxury palace hotels: the
Rosewood Hôtel de Crillon, Le Bristol
Paris and the Shangri-La Paris.
Clients are also eligible for exclusive amenities offered by the
Internova SELECT Hotels and Resorts and Internova CURATED Hotels
and Resorts programs, which include distinctive properties around
the world. In addition, GTC clients have access to Internova SELECT
In-Country Partners, a carefully vetted international portfolio of
tour operators who are destination experts, offering the ultimate
luxury travel experiences.
About Global Travel Collection
Global Travel
Collection (GTC), part of Internova Travel Group, is the most
influential collection of international luxury travel agencies.
More than 1,500 GTC advisors are industry leaders in providing
premium travel services to leisure travelers, corporate executives
and the entertainment industry. GTC's combined global reach and
leverage translate into value, recognition and preferential
treatment for its world traveler clients.
CONTACT:
Gina Nisi
gnisi@globaltravelcollection.com
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SOURCE Global Travel Collection